Bronchial asthma is an allergic condition. This is a chronic inflammatory disorder of respiratory tract. This results in inflammation and narrowing of the airways that carry air in and out. People of all ages are affected with this disease, but usually this starts in childhood. According to National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, more than 22 million Americans suffer from Bronchial asthma and of them 6 million are children. Bronchial asthma cannot be cured, but symptoms can be treated and controlled.
SYMPTOMS OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA:
Bronchial asthma symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of bronchial asthma include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or tightness in chest
- Trouble sleeping due to coughing and wheezing
- Whistling during exhalation
- Cough may produce phlegm or sputum
These symptoms worsen by respiratory disorders such as cold or flu.
According to MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, an emergency is required when the following symptoms are observed.
- Face and lips turn bluish
- Extreme difficulty in breathing
- Sweating
- Heartbeat rate increases
- Severe drowsiness
CAUSES OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA:
It is still a mystery why some people suffer from asthma and others do not. Some causes are identified, but these are not the same for all asthma patients. Some causes include:
- Airborne allergens like dust mites, pollen, animal dander or hair, cold
- Chemicals in air or food
- Air pollutants like smoke
- Stress
- Strong emotions
- Respiratory infections
- Certain medicines like aspirin, beta blockers
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- In some women, menstrual cycle triggers asthma
TREATMENTS FOR BRONCHIAL ASTHMA:
Always consult the physician regarding the treatments for bronchial asthma. The following are some medications and treatments:
- Medications:
- Corticosteroids such as Pulmicort and Flovent reduce inflammation in airways.
- Bronchodilators like Foradil Aerolizer and Serevent Diskus opens airway.
- Theophylline relaxes muscles that cause bronchial tube contraction
- Inhalers like Atrovent and Albuterol gives immediate relief from the shortness of breath
- Immunotherapy: This is good treatment for asthma caused by allergies. Antibody injections reduces reaction to allergens.
PREVENTION OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA:
It is very important to prevent and cure asthma. First identify the asthma causing agents and take measures to control them
